Stylish students for a return to school

Picking out that first-day outfit usually takes at least a week. Even for uniforms, there is the decision of what tint of polo or khaki to unveil.

Times Reporter

Writer

Posted Aug. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 18, 2013 at 6:10 PM

Posted Aug. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 18, 2013 at 6:10 PM

For many students, back to school equals a new wardrobe, or at least a few new pieces. Picking out that first-day outfit usually takes at least a week. Even for uniforms, there is the decision of what tint of polo or khaki to unveil.

The Rep invited four Westfield Belden Village mall stores to the studio for a shoot and asked what is flying off the shelves this season.

Body Central

Connie Armbruster, manager at Body Central

“The more bling the better.”

• Denim is working for Body Central, but the big sellers are “embellished” with studs or sparkly threads woven into the fabric.

• Anything cameo is in. Accessory pieces like backpacks are a way to bring in the look daily.

• Anything with crosses on them work this season.

• Aztec prints are big on clothing and accessories.

The Children’s Place

Penelope Schell, assistant manager of The Children’s Place.

“Denim is huge this fall. We are blowing through the denim.”

Other big sellers:

• Boys - Plaid woven long sleeve shirts

• Girls - Jeggings in leopard and cheetah prints, lots of color.

• The Children’s Place also has uniform pieces, including many different colors of polos and khakis.

Charlotte russe

Tiffany Reich, assistant manager at Charlotte Russe

“The long and layered look is really in.”

Big sellers:

• Leggings in all colors, including tribal and animal prints.

• High-waisted denim skirts and jeans

• Sheer tops for girls

• Gold accessories

• Arm Candy Shoppe bracelets and watches

The Buckle

Lacey Camp, manager for The Buckle

“We have like 300 different styles of boots.”

• The big boots this season are combat, low rider, high rider and cowboy.

• Buckle is all about layering, Camp said. Start with an undershirt and work in a sheer mid-sleeve shirt and top with a pleather vest or jacket.

• Big colors this fall for women are mustard yellow, maroon, orange and burnt rose. Men are into greens, greys and browns.

• The go-to piece for guys this fall? Zip-up, light-weight hoodies and sweaters, layered with a woven, long-sleeve top.